Hair clarifying treatment

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a hair clarifying composition for removing residue from hair. The composition includes an acid component and an amphoteric surfactant. The present invention further includes a method for using the hair clarifying composition to remove residue from the hair.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and composition for treatinghair subsequent to an alkaline hair treatment, such as a hairstraightening treatment or a permanent wave treatment.

BACKGROUND

Hair is chemically straightened through a hair straightening treatment.Hair is chemically altered to produce a wavy appearance through apermanent wave treatment. Both commercial hair straightening treatmentsand commercial permanent wave treatments include applying an alkalinecomposition to the hair to disrupt the bonds in the hair fibers, inparticular the disulfide bonds. Generally, permanent wave treatmentshave a pH in the range of 9.0 to 9.5 pH and hair straighteningtreatments have a pH of greater than 12.0, and typically greater than13.0.

Commercial hair straightening products and commercial permanent waveproducts are typically based on an alkaline metal hydroxide, such ascalcium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, sodiumhydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide, or combinationsthereof. Other commercial hair straightening products include guanidinehydroxide.

A result of the permanent wave treatments or the hair straighteningtreatments is that residue of the alkaline composition remains in thehair causing the hair to be dull, stiff, crusty or gritty. For example,when a calcium hydroxide based product is used in a hair straighteningtreatment calcium deposits are left on the hair. The presence of thecalcium deposits causes the hair have a dry and gritty feeling and adull appearance.

As such a need exists for a hair treatment to improve the feel andappearance of the hair subsequent to a hair straightening treatment or apermanent wave treatment without detrimentally affecting thestraightness or waviness of the hair achieved through the straighteningtreatment or permanent wave treatment, respectively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a composition and method for treating hair.

In one exemplary embodiment, a method for treating hair comprising thesteps of straightening the hair with a hair straightening treatment,allowing the hair to normalize, and clarifying the hair with a hairclarifying treatment to remove a residue of the straightening treatmentfrom the hair. In one variation the hair is allowed to normalize bywaiting at least 30 minutes between the completion of the hairstraightening treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment. In another variation, the hair is allowed to normalize bywaiting at least 4 hours between the completion of the hairstraightening treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment. In a further variation, the hair is allowed to normalize bywaiting at least 24 hours between the completion of the hairstraightening treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment. In a yet further variation, the hair is allowed to normalizeby waiting at least 48 hours between the completion of the hairstraightening treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method for treating hair comprisingthe steps of straightening the hair with a hair straightening treatment,allowing the hair to normalize, and clarifying the hair with a hairclarifying treatment to remove a residue of the straightening treatmentfrom the hair. In one variation the hair clarifying treatment includesthe step of applying a composition to the hair. The compositioncomprising an aqueous solution including an acid component and anamphoteric surfactant. The acid component, in one variation of thecomposition, the acid component includes at least one acid selected fromthe group of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid. In afurther variation, the composition comprises 0.5 weight percent to 8.0weight percent of the acid component and at least about 10 weightpercent of the amphoteric surfactant. In a yet further variation of thecomposition, the composition comprises 3.0 weight percent of the acidcomponent. The amphoteric surfactant, in one variation is selected fromthe group of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betainesurfactant, Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine surfactant,Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, and Lauroamphoglycinate surfactant. In afurther variation the composition includes 3.0 weight percent malic acidand at least about 10.0 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a method for treating hair comprisesthe steps of applying a first composition to the hair to straighten thehair, rinsing the hair, allowing the hair to normalize, applying asecond composition to the hair to remove residue left in the hair by theapplication of the first composition, the second composition having a pHof about 2.2. In one variation, the second composition includes anaqueous solution including an acid component and an amphotericsurfactant. The acid component, in one variation, includes at least oneacid selected from the group of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, andascorbic acid. In a further variation, the composition comprises 0.5weight percent to 8.0 weight percent of the acid component and at leastabout 10 weight percent of the amphoteric surfactant. The acidcomponent, in a further variation, comprises 3.0 weight percent of theacid component. The amphoteric surfactant, in one variation, is selectedfrom the group of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, LauramidopropylBetaine surfactant, Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine surfactant,Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, and Lauroamphoglycinate surfactant. In ayet further variation, the composition includes 3.0 weight percent malicacid and at least about 10.0 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.

In a yet further exemplary embodiment, a method for treating haircomprises the steps of applying a first composition to the hair tostraighten the hair, rinsing the hair, allowing the hair to normalize,applying a second composition to the hair to remove residue left in thehair by the application of the first composition, the second compositionhaving a pH of about 2.2. In one variation, the hair is allowed tonormalize by waiting at least 30 minutes between rinsing the hair andthe application of the second composition. In another variation, thehair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 4 hours between rinsingthe hair and the application of the second composition. In a furthervariation, the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 24 hoursbetween rinsing the hair and the application of the second composition.In a yet further variation, the hair is allowed to normalize by waitingat least 48 hours between rinsing the hair and the application of thesecond composition.

In an exemplary composition for treating hair, the compositioncomprising an acidic component selected from the group of citric,salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid and an amphotericsurfactant. The acidic component and the surfactant being incorporatedwith water to produce an aqueous solution having a pH of about 2.2. Inone variation, the composition includes 0.5 weight percent to 8 weightpercent of the acidic component. In one further variation, thecomposition includes 3 weight percent of the acidic component. Thecomposition, in a yet further variation, includes 3 weight percent malicacid. The amphoteric surfactant, in one variation, is selected from thegroup of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betainesurfactant, Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine surfactant,Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, and Lauroamphoglycinate surfactant. Theamphoteric surfactant, in a further variation, comprises at least about10 weight percent of the amphoteric surfactant. The amphotericsurfactant, in a yet further variation, comprises about 10 weightpercent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

In another exemplary method for treating hair comprising the steps oftreating the hair with an alkaline treatment, allowing the hair tonormalize, and clarifying the hair with a hair clarifying treatment toremove a residue of the alkaline treatment from the hair. In onevariation, the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 30minutes between the completion of the alkaline treatment and thecommencement of the clarifying treatment. In another variation, the hairis allowed to normalize by waiting at least 4 hours between thecompletion of the alkaline treatment and the commencement of theclarifying treatment. In a further variation, the hair is allowed tonormalize by waiting at least 24 hours between the completion of thealkaline treatment and the commencement of the clarifying treatment. Inyet a further variation, the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting atleast 48 hours between the completion of the alkaline treatment and thecommencement of the clarifying treatment.

In yet another exemplary method for treating hair comprising the stepsof treating the hair with an alkaline treatment, allowing the hair tonormalize, and clarifying the hair with a hair clarifying treatment toremove a residue of the alkaline treatment from the hair. In onevariation, the hair clarifying treatment includes the step of applying acomposition to the hair, the composition comprising an aqueous solutionincluding an acid component and an amphoteric surfactant. The acidcomponent, in one variation, includes at least one acid selected fromthe group of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid. In afurther variation, the composition comprises 0.5 weight percent to 8.0weight percent of the acid component and at least about 10 weightpercent of the amphoteric surfactant. In a yet further variation, thecomposition comprises 3.0 weight percent of the acid component. Theamphoteric surfactant, in one variation, is selected from the group ofCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betaine surfactant,Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine surfactant, Cocoamphoglycinatesurfactant, and Lauroamphoglycinate surfactant. In another variation,the composition includes 3.0 weight percent malic acid and at leastabout 10.0 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

In an additional exemplary method for treating hair comprises the stepsof applying a first composition to the hair, the first composition beingan alkaline composition, rinsing the hair, allowing the hair tonormalize, and applying a second composition to the hair to removeresidue left in the hair by the application of the first composition.The second composition having a pH of about 2.2. The second composition,in one variation, includes an aqueous solution including an acidcomponent and an amphoteric surfactant. The acid component, in onevariation, includes at least one acid selected from the group of citric,salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid. In a variation of thecomposition, the composition comprises 0.5 weight percent to 8.0 weightpercent of the acid component and at least about 10 weight percent ofthe amphoteric surfactant. In a further variation of the composition,the composition comprises 3.0 weight percent of the acid component. Theamphoteric surfactant, in another variation, is selected from the groupof Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betainesurfactant, Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine surfactant,Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, and Lauroamphoglycinate surfactant. In ayet further variation, the composition includes 3.0 weight percent malicacid and at least about 10.0 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit theinvention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, theintention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

Hair fibers include proteins and fatty acids and exhibit a baseline pHof around 4.0 to 6.0. Hair straightening treatments and permanent wavetreatments alter the chemical bonds in hair fibers and hence theappearance of the hair fibers in part by reacting various compositionswith the hair fibers at elevated pHs from the baseline pH of hair.

Hair that has been treated with a hair straightening treatment ischemically altered to have a straight appearance. At minimum acommercial hair straightening treatment includes applying to the hair astraightening composition having a pH of at least 12.0, which breaks thedisulfide bonds in the hair fibers. During the hair straighteningtreatment the pH of the hair fibers is elevated from the baseline 4.0 to6.0 to an elevated pH approaching the pH of the straighteningcomposition.

Example hair straightening compositions include compositions ofguanidine hydroxide, barium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, sodiumhydroxide, and potassium hydroxide, or mixtures thereof. U.S. Pat. No.4,304,244 discloses a guanidine hydroxide composition used to straightenhair. Exemplary commercial embodiments of calcium hydroxidestraightening compositions: Optimum Care available from Soft SheenProducts located in Chicago, Ill. 60619; Alternatives available fromSoft Sheen Products located in Chicago, Ill. 60619; Motions availablefrom Soft Sheen Products located in Chicago, Ill. 60619; ClairolTextures and Tones available from Clairol Inc Dist. located in Stamford,Conn. 06902; hair straightening compositions available from TCB locatedat Alberto Culver USA INC., Melrose Park, Ill. 60160; Realisticavailable from Revlon Professional Inc Dist in New York, N.Y. 10022;Fabulaxer available from Revlon Professional Inc Dist located in NewYork, N.Y. 10022; Crème Of Nature available from Revlon Professional IncDist, located in New York, N.Y. 10022; Dark and Lovely available fromCarson Products Co. located in Savannah, Ga. 31403; PCJ available fromLuster Products Inc. located in Chicago, Ill. 60609; Pink ConditioningRelaxer available from Luster Products Inc located in Chicago Ill.60609; Soft & Beautiful available from Proline Corporation located inDallas, Tex. 75212; Sheenique available from Summit Laboratories Inc.located in Chicago Heights, Ill. 60411; ISO Plus available from JMProducts Inc. located at Po Box 4025 Little Rock, Ark. 72214-4025;Always Natural available from AP Products LTD located in New York, N.Y.10801; and Ultra Sheen's Precise available from Johnson Products Co Inc.located in Chicago, Ill. 60620. A exemplary commercial embodiment ofsodium hydroxide is Motions available from Soft Sheen located inChicago, Ill. 60619.

The hair fibers remain at an elevated pH after the straighteningcomposition has been rinsed from the hair and the hair straighteningtreatment has been completed. Over time, the pH of the hair fibersdecreases, thereby normalizing the hair fibers. Eventually, the pH ofthe hair fibers returns to the baseline pH of 4.0 to 6.0.

Hair that has been treated with a permanent wave treatment is chemicallyaltered to have a wavy appearance. At minimum a commercial permanentwave treatment includes applying to the hair a permanent wavecomposition having a pH in the range of 9.0 to 9.5, which breaks thedisulfide bonds in the hair fibers. During the permanent wave treatment,the pH of the hair fibers is elevated from the baseline pH of 4.0 to 6.0to an elevated pH approaching the pH of the permanent wave composition.

The hair fibers remain at an elevated pH after the perm composition hasbeen rinsed from the hair and the permanent wave treatment has beencompleted. Over time, the pH of the hair fibers decreases, therebynormalizing the hair fibers. Eventually, the pH of the hair fibersreturns to the baseline pH of 4.0 to 6.0.

A side effect of both hair straightening and permanent wave treatmentsis that residue from the hair straightening composition and thepermanent wave composition becomes lodged under the cuticle portion ofthe hair after the hair straightening treatment or the permanent wavetreatment is completed. The residue causes the hair fibers to feelcoarse and dry and to have a dull appearance. Additionally, the residuecauses manageability problems when the hair is later styled.

Traditionally conditioning/clarifying treatments are applied to hairsubsequent to a hair straightening treatment or a permanent wavetreatment within a short time period of the completion of the hairstraightening treatment or permanent wave treatment, usually less than10 minutes. However, traditional conditioning/clarifying treatments arerelatively weak, pH of 4.0 to 4.5. The residue from the hairstraightening treatment or permanent wave treatment is not removed fromthe hair by traditional conditioning/clarifying treatments.

An exemplary hair clarifying composition of the present invention isconfigured to remove the residue left behind in the hair following ahair straightening treatment or the permanent wave treatment. Theexemplary hair clarifying composition includes an acid component and anamphoteric surfactant. The acid component is selected from the group ofcitric acid, salicyclic acid, acetic acid, malic acid and ascorbic acidor any type of fruit based acid or combination of acids. Preferably theacid component is malic acid. Malic acid is available from Haarman andReimer located at 300 North Street, Tetersboro, N.J. 07608. Theamphoteric surfactant is selected from the group of CocamidopropylBetaine, lauramidopropyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxysultaine,cocoamphoglycinate, and lauroamphoglyciante. Preferably, the amphotericsurfactant is Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Cocamidopropyl Betaine isavailable from McIntyre Group, Ltd. located at 24601 Governors Highway,University Park, Ill. 60466.

Unless otherwise indicated, throughout this application the weightpercent of the acid component and the amphoteric surfactant is apercentage of the overall weight of the hair clarifying composition.

In another preferred variation of the exemplary hair clarifyingcomposition, the hair clarifying composition is an aqueous solution thatincludes 0.50 weight percent to 8 weight percent of malic acid and about10 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant. The preferredvariation of the exemplary clarifying composition has a pH of about 2.2.In a further preferred variation of the exemplary hair clarifyingcomposition, the hair clarifying composition is an aqueous solution thatincludes 1 weight percent to 8 weight percent of malic acid and about 10weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant. In a yet furtherpreferred variation of the exemplary hair clarifying composition, thehair clarifying composition is an aqueous solution that includes 3weight percent to 8 weight percent of malic acid and about 10 weightpercent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant. In a most preferredvariation of the exemplary hair clarifying composition, the hairclarifying composition is an aqueous solution that includes 3 weightpercent of malic acid and about 10 weight percent of CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant.

The hair clarifying composition of the present invention has arelatively strong acidic pH of about 2.2. As such, when the hairclarifying composition is applied to the pH of the hair is lowered belowthe baseline pH of 4.0 to 6.0 to a value approaching the pH of the hairclarifying composition. When the hair clarifying composition is rinsedfrom the hair, the pH of the hair over time returns to the baseline pHof 4.0 to 6.0.

The hair clarifying composition, along with its positive effects onremoving residue from the hair, works to realign the cuticle of thehair. The cuticle of the hair can become disoriented during dailyactivity and due to various hair treatments. The strong acidic value ofthe hair clarifying composition assists the realigning of the cuticle ofthe hair. As such, the hair has better light reflection properties andhas increased combability among other desirable properties.

The present invention includes an exemplary method for treating hair,following a hair straightening treatment or a permanent wave treatment,that removes the residue left in the hair from the hair straighteningtreatment or the permanent wave treatment, increases the shininess andsmoothness of the hair, and generally causes treated hair to appear morenature and to be more manageable. The exemplary method includessubsequent to a hair straightening or permanent wave treatment, allowingthe hair to normalize for a period of time. As the hair is normalizing,the pH of the hair returns closer to the baseline pH of the hair priorto the hair straightening treatment or the permanent wave treatment. Itis not required that the pH of the hair return completely to thebaseline pH for the hair to be normalized, only that the pH of the hairreturns to a value closer to the baseline pH.

Once the hair has normalized, the hair is treated with the exemplaryclarifying composition described above or variations of the exemplaryclarifying compositions. The exemplary clarifying composition comprisingan aqueous solution of an acidic component and an amphoteric surfactant.

In a preferred method, the hair is treated with an exemplary clarifyingcomposition at least 30 minutes after the completion of the hairstraightening treatment or the permanent wave treatment. In a furtherpreferred, method the hair is treated with the exemplary composition atleast 4 hours after the completion of the hair straightening treatmentor the permanent wave treatment. In yet a further preferred method, thehair is treated with the exemplary composition at least 24 hours afterthe completion of the hair straightening treatment or the permanent wavetreatment. In a most preferred method, the hair is treated with theexemplary composition at least 48 hours after the completion of the hairstraightening treatment or the permanent wave treatment.

Reference will now be made to specific examples of this exemplaryembodiment using the compositions and processes above described. It isto be understood that the examples are provided to more completelydescribe preferred embodiments and that no limitation to the scope ofthe invention is intended thereby. The following hair straighteningtreatment was employed in the Examples, 1-20.

Hair Straightening Treatment Used in Examples 1-20

Each model's hair was treated with a hair straightening composition. Thehair straightening composition is a guanidine hydroxide produced bymixing of calcium hydroxide and guanidine carbonate. As stated earlier,U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,244 discloses a guanidine hydroxide hairstraightening composition. The guanidine hydroxide hair straighteningcomposition used in Examples 1-20 has a lower concentration of guanidinehydroxide as compared to other commercially available straightenerproducts. Each Example 1-20 uses a hair straightening composition,hereafter referred to as mixture one, which is 75% of the strength ofsimilar commercially available hair straightening compositions or asecond hair straightening composition, hereafter referred to as mixturetwo, which is 50% of the strength of similar commercially available hairstraightening compositions.

In each example, either mixture one or mixture two was applied to thehair of the model, the application taking approximately twenty minutes.The straightening mixture was left on the hair of the model for anadditional twenty minutes while the model was positioned under a hairdryer with a cap over the hair. The use of heat assists the reaction ofthe guanidine carbonate and calcium hydroxide.

The hair was subsequently shampooed twice with a neutralizing shampooand rinsed thoroughly. A thermal conditioning treatment was applied tothe hair and the model was placed under the dryer for about fiveminutes. The thermal conditioning treatment includes a cationic agentand proteins. The thermal conditioning treatment adds moisture to thehair and assists in detangling the hair.

The hair was rinsed following the thermal conditioning treatment.Detangling spray was applied to the hair of the model and the hair wascombed with a wide tooth comb. The model was placed under the hood dryeruntil the hair was damp to dry. The model was advised not to shampoohair before his/her return appointment for the hair clarifying treatmentof the present invention.

Clarifying Treatment Subsequent to Straightening Treatment Used inExamples 1-20

Each model's hair is inspected to determine a baseline for the amount ofresidue left in the hair as a result of the straightening treatmentdiscussed above. The hair of the model is then wetted. An exemplaryclarifying treatment of present invention is applied to the hair of themodel and left in the hair for about one minute. The hair was thenrinsed. The hair is shampooed with a moisture infusing shampoo andrinsed. A moisture infusing conditioner is then applied to the hair andrinsed. A detangling spray is then applied to the hair and the hair isplaced under a warm hair dryer to dry the hair. The hair of the model isthen inspected to determine the effects of the clarifying treatment onthe removal of residue, increase in shine, increase in smoothness andoverall manageability.

In Examples 1-20, various exemplary clarifying compositions and methodsof treating the hair of a model subsequent to a hair straighteningtreatment were investigated. Exemplary clarifying compositions including0.5 weight percent to 8.0 weight percent malic acid and about 10 weightpercent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant are tested. In particularexemplary compositions having about 10 weight percent of CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant and about 0.5 weight percent, about 3.0 weightpercent or about 8.0 weight percent malic acid are tested. Exemplarymethods tested include applying the exemplary clarifying compositionsapproximately directly after the completion of the hair straighteningtreatment, applying the exemplary clarifying composition about 30minutes after the completion of the hair straightening treatment,applying the exemplary clarifying composition about 4 hours after thecompletion of the hair straightening treatment, applying the exemplaryclarifying composition about 24 hours after the completion of the hairstraightening treatment, and applying the exemplary clarifyingcomposition about 48 hours after the completion of the hairstraightening treatment.

EXAMPLE 1

TABLE 1 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Coarse DensityThick/Dense Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Beyond Shoulder Color-treatedHighlighted 20% Percentage of gray hair None Prior straighteningtreatments None Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.The hair straightening mixture was applied to the hair of the model, theapplication taking approximately ten minutes. The straightening mixturewas left on the hair of the model for an additional ten minutes whilethe model was positioned under a hair dryer with a cap over the hair.

Thirty minutes subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, one sideof the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 0.5 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant. The stylist reported that the side ofthe hair that received the clarifying treatment had a softer feel thanthe untreated side of hair.

The model returned to the salon approximately five days after theclarifying treatment was administered for a follow-up evaluation. Thestylist reported that the treated hair was more comb-able and lessfrizzy than the untreated side.

EXAMPLE 2

TABLE 2 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Medium DensityNormal Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Shoulder Color-treated NonePercentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatments Seventy-oneday prior, see Example 14 Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Twenty-four hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, oneside of the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 0.5 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant. The stylist reported that there wasno significant difference between the treated side of the hair and theuntreated side of the hair.

The model returned to the salon approximately four days after theclarifying treatment was administered for a follow-up evaluation. Thestylist reported that there was still no significant difference betweenthe treated side of the hair and the untreated side.

The model was then given a clarifying composition including 3.0 weightpercent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent Cocamidopropyl Betaine to useon her hair. The model applied the 3.0 malic acid clarifying compositionto her hair for approximately one minute and returned the following dayfor inspection of her hair. The 3.0 malic acid clarifying compositionwas applied to the models hair approximately 72 hours subsequent to thehair straightening treatment. The stylist reported that the hairappeared to be totally free of all residue from the hair straighteningtreatment and that the hair had increased softness and shine. The modelcould not believe the difference in her hair following the treatmentwith the 3.0 malic acid clarifying composition. Also, Compare Example14, wherein the same model was tested with a clarifying compositionincluding 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant approximately 48 hours subsequent tothe hair straightening treatment.

EXAMPLE 3

TABLE 3 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Coarse DensityThick/Dense Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Beyond Shoulder Color-treatedNone Percentage of gray hair 20% Prior straightening treatments NoneAdditional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture one.Forty-eight hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, oneside of the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 0.5 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant. The stylist reported that the treatedside of the hair combed and detangled better than the untreated side,had increased smoothness over the untreated side, and was in overallbetter condition than the untreated side.

The model returned to the salon approximately six days after theclarifying treatment was administered for a follow-up evaluation. Thestylist reported that the treated side still exhibited bettercharacteristics than the untreated side.

EXAMPLE 4

TABLE 4 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine DensityThick/dense Curl pattern Tightly curly Length Beyond shoulderColor-treated None Percentage of gray hair None Prior straighteningtreatments None Additional notes Blonde hair

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture one.Directly following the hair straightening treatment, one side of themodel's hair was clarified with a clarifying composition including 3.0weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatinitially the treated hair felt very soft and smooth, but as the hairdried it became more gritty and perceptively dry. The model returned tothe salon after two days for a follow-up evaluation. The stylistreported that the treated side of model's hair reverted more than theuntreated side. Further, there was not a dramatic difference in thecondition of the treated side versus the untreated side. The hair ingeneral still felt dry and gritty. The model also reported some sorenesson her scalp.

EXAMPLE 5

TABLE 5 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine Density ThinCurl pattern Slightly Wavy Length Shoulder Color-treated PermanentPercentage of gray hair Up to 20 Percent Prior straightening treatmentsNone Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Directly following the hair straightening treatment, one side of themodel's hair was clarified with a clarifying composition including 3.0weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatinitially the treated hair felt very soft and smooth, but as the hairdried it became more gritty and perceptively dry. The model returned tothe salon after two days for a follow-up evaluation. The stylistreported similar straightness on both the treated and untreated sides;both sides were as straight as the day of service, no reversion.Further, the hair in general still felt dry and gritty. The model alsoexhibited some soreness on her scalp.

EXAMPLE 6

TABLE 6 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Medium DensityNormal Curl pattern Slightly Wavy Length Beyond shoulder Color-treatedNone Percentage of gray hair Up to 20 Percent Prior straighteningtreatments None Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture one.Directly following the hair straightening treatment, one side of themodel's hair was clarified with a clarifying composition including 3.0weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatinitially the treated hair felt very soft and smooth, but as the hairdried it became more gritty and perceptively dry. The model returned tothe salon after two days for a follow-up evaluation. The stylistreported that both sides of the model's hair exhibited similarstraightness on both the treated and untreated sides; both sides were asstraight as the day of service, no reversion. Further, the hair ingeneral still felt dry and gritty. The model had no scalp irritation.The model commented that she was thrilled with her hair and that she waswilling to live with the dry feeling to have straight hair.

EXAMPLE 7

TABLE 7 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Coarse DensityThick/Dense Curl pattern Tightly Curly Length Beyond shoulderColor-treated None Percentage of gray hair None Prior straighteningtreatments None Additional notes Red Hair

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture one.Directly following the hair straightening treatment, the entire head ofhair was clarified with a clarifying composition including 3.0 weightpercent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatinitially the treated hair felt very soft and smooth, but as the hairdried it became more gritty and perceptively dry. The model returned tothe salon after two days for a follow-up evaluation. The stylistreported that the model's hair exhibited no reversion, but that ingeneral still felt dry and gritty.

EXAMPLE 8

TABLE 8 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Medium DensityNormal Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Shoulder Color-treated PermanentPercentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatments NoneAdditional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Thirty minutes subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, one sideof the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatthe treated hair had increased smoothness over the untreated side. Themodel returned to the salon after three days for a follow-up evaluation.The stylist reported that the treated side had increased smoothness andincreased shine over the untreated side. Further, there was someevidence of curl reversion on the treated hair and that the treated hairhad increased frizziness.

EXAMPLE 9

TABLE 9 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Medium DensityThick/Dense Curl pattern Slightly Wavy Length Beyond ShoulderColor-treated Permanent and Bleached Percentage of gray hair None Priorstraightening treatments Nine Months Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Four hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, one side ofthe model's hair was clarified with a clarifying composition including3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatthe treated hair had increased smoothness over the untreated side andwas more tangle free. The model returned to the salon after three daysfor a follow-up evaluation. The stylist reported that the treated sidehad increased smoothness and increased shine over the untreated side.Further, the treated side was noticeably more frizzy than the untreatedside and there was some reversion.

EXAMPLE 10

TABLE 10 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine Density NormalCurl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Shoulder Color-treated Highlighted 10%Percentage of gray hair 0% Prior straightening treatments NoneAdditional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Twenty-four hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, oneside of the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatthe treated hair had increased smoothness and increased shine over theuntreated side. Further, the treated side was more comb-able than theuntreated side. The model returned to the salon after two days for afollow-up evaluation. The stylist reported that the treated side hadincreased smoothness and increased shine over the untreated side.Further, there was some evidence of minor curl reversion on the treatedhair, but the treated hair was in overall good condition. The stylistreported that the results of this test are in line with the results ofExamples 11-16.

EXAMPLE 11

TABLE 11 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine Density NormalCurl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Beyond shoulder Color-treated High LiftPercentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatments NoneAdditional notes Recent use of Sun-In product

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.After completing the hair straightening treatment, the stylist noted thedry, coarse feel typically associated with hydroxide residual.Forty-eight hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, theentire head of hair of the model was clarified with a clarifyingcomposition including 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weightpercent Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

The stylist reported directly following the clarifying treatment thatthe treated hair exhibited increased softness, increased shine andincreased smoothness. Further, the hair exhibited no noticeablereversion, frizziness or hydroxide residue. The model returned to thesalon in two days for a follow-up evaluation. No scalp irritation wasobserved. The hair exhibited a healthy feeling, was shiny, and was soft.

EXAMPLE 12

TABLE 12 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine DensityThick/Dense Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Above shoulder Color-treatedNone Percentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatmentsFourteen days prior, Example 4 Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Forty-eight hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, theentire head of hair of the model was clarified with a clarifyingcomposition including 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weightpercent Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

The model returned to the salon in two days for a follow-up evaluation.No scalp irritation was observed. The hair exhibited no noticeablereversion. Further, the gritty feeling due to the hydroxide residue wasgone. The hair exhibited a healthy feeling, was shiny, and was soft. Themodel was extremely satisfied with the results.

EXAMPLE 13

TABLE 13 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Coarse Density ThickCurl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Shoulder Color-treated None Percentage ofgray hair None Prior straightening treatments Sixteen days prior,Example 7 Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.The model was provided with a clarifying composition including 3.0weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant to be used at home forty-eight hours subsequent to the hairstraightening treatment.

The model communicated that the clarifying composition worked very well.Her hair feels very soft and smooth. The model was extremely satisfiedwith the results.

EXAMPLE 14

TABLE 14 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Medium DensityNormal Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Shoulder Color-treated NonePercentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatments Forty-threedays prior Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Forty-eight hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, theentire head of hair of the model was clarified with a clarifyingcomposition including 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weightpercent Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

The model returned to the salon after two days for a follow-upevaluation. No scalp irritation was observed. The hair exhibited nonoticeable reversion. Further, the gritty feeling due to the hydroxideresidue was gone. The hair exhibited a healthy feeling, was shiny, andwas soft. The model stated that her hair never felt in such goodcondition.

EXAMPLE 15

TABLE 15 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine Density NormalCurl pattern Slightly Wavy Length Shoulder Color-treated None Percentageof gray hair Up to 20% Prior straightening treatments None Additionalnotes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture one.Forty-eight hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, theentire head of hair of the model was clarified with a clarifyingcomposition including 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weightpercent Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

The model returned to the salon after two days for a follow-upevaluation. No scalp irritation was observed. The hair exhibited nonoticeable reversion. Further, the gritty feeling due to the hydroxideresidue was gone. The hair exhibited a healthy feeling, was shiny, andwas soft. The model was very satisfied.

EXAMPLE 16

TABLE 16 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Medium DensityNormal Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Shoulder Color-treated NonePercentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatments NoneAdditional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture one.Forty-eight hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, theentire head of hair of the model was clarified with a clarifyingcomposition including 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weightpercent Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

The model returned to the salon after two days for a follow-upevaluation. No scalp irritation was observed. The hair exhibited nonoticeable reversion. Further, the gritty feeling due to the hydroxideresidue was gone. The hair exhibited a healthy feeling, was shiny, andwas soft. The model was extremely satisfied.

EXAMPLE 17

TABLE 17 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine DensityThick/Dense Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Beyond Shoulder Color-treatedPermanent Dye Application Percentage of gray hair Up to 20% Priorstraightening treatments None Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Thirty minutes subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, one sideof the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 8.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

After the completion of the clarifying treatment, the stylist noted thatthe treated hair had increased shine compared to the untreated side.However, there was noticeable reversion in the treated side. The modelreturned to the salon after two days for a follow-up evaluation. Thestylist noted that the treated hair showed definite curl reversion andthat there was a loss of color from a previous hair dye application.

EXAMPLE 18

TABLE 18 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine Density NormalCurl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Beyond Shoulder Color-treated PermanentDye Application Percentage of gray hair Up to 20% Prior straighteningtreatments None Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Four hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, one side ofthe model's hair was clarified with a clarifying composition including8.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percent CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant.

After the completion of the clarifying treatment, the stylist noted thatthe treated hair showed very evident signs of curl reversion and someloss of color from a previous permanent hair dye application. The modelreturned to the salon after two days for follow-up a evaluation. Thestylist noted that the treated hair was in generally good condition butthe treated hair still showed definite curl reversion as compared to theuntreated side.

EXAMPLE 19

TABLE 19 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Fine Density NormalCurl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Above Shoulder Color-treated PermanentPercentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatments NoneAdditional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Twenty-four hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, oneside of the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 8.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

After the completion of the clarifying treatment, the stylist noted thatthe treated hair was noticeably drier and frizzier compared to theuntreated side. The model returned to the salon after five days for afollow-up evaluation. The stylist noted that the treated hair hadincreased smoothness and increased shine compared to the untreated side.

EXAMPLE 20

TABLE 20 Hair Characteristics before Straightening Treatment andClarifying Treatment Characteristic Subject Texture Medium DensityThick/Dense Curl pattern Wavy/Curly Length Beyond Shoulder Color-treatedPermanent Percentage of gray hair None Prior straightening treatmentsNone Additional notes None

The model's hair was straightened with hair straightening mixture two.Forty-eight hours subsequent to the hair straightening treatment, oneside of the model's hair was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 8.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

After the completion of the clarifying treatment, the stylist noted thatthe treated hair noticeably had increased softness and increased shine.Further, the treated hair was easier to comb and detangle compared tothe untreated side. The model returned to the salon after five days forfollow-up evaluation. The stylist noted that the treated hair still hadnoticeable increased softness and increased shine compared to theuntreated side. Further, there was no indication of reversion. The hairdid suffer a depletion of permanent hair color.

Based upon the results of Examples 1-20, it was observed that hairclarifying compositions including 10 weight percent of CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant and 0.5 weight percent to 8 weight percent malic acidhas some benefit to removing residue from hair that has been subjectedto a hair straightening treatment. It was further observed that 3 weightpercent to 8 weight percent of malic acid, produced substantially betterresults concerning the removal of residue from the hair therebyincreasing smoothness and shine. It was yet further observed that at 8weight percent malic acid, the hair clarifying composition lifted colorfrom the hair. As such, based on the observation in Examples 1-20, it ispreferred to clarify hair subsequent to a hair straightening treatmentwith a clarifying composition including 10 weight percent CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant and 3 weight percent malic acid.

Further based upon the results of Examples 1-20, it was observed thatthe hair needs to be allowed to normalize between the hair straighteningtreatment and the clarifying treatment for two reasons. First, using theclarifying treatment right after the straightening treatment reduces theeffectiveness of the residue removal. Second, because the internal bondstructure of the hair has not been allowed to strengthen, bynormalizing, the clarifying treatment can cause reversion in the hairstructure and increased frizzing. It was observed that the clarifyingtreatment should be commenced at least thirty minutes to forty-eighthours after the completion of the hair straightening treatment. It wasfurther observed that the clarifying treatment should be commenced atleast four hours to forty-eight hours after the completion of the hairstraightening treatment. Based upon the results of Examples 1-20, it ispreferred that the clarifying treatment should be commenced at leasttwenty-four hours to forty-eight hours after the completion of the hairstraightening treatment. As such, it is within the scope of the presentinvention, that the clarifying treatment will be commenced at timesbeyond forty-eight hours, such as seventy-two hours, ninety-six hours,one hundred twenty hours or other times.

The hair clarifying composition of the present invention may also beused to remove residue from hair that has not been treated with a hairstraightening treatment or a permanent wave treatment. Often times,minerals in household water that is used in the shampooing and rinsingof hair are left behind when the hair is rinsed. Additionally, residuecan be left in hair due to natural perspiration.

Reference will now be made to specific examples of this exemplaryembodiment using the hair clarifying compositions to remove residue fromhair that has not been treated with a hair straightening treatment or apermanent wave treatment. It is to be understood that the examples areprovided to more completely describe preferred embodiments and that nolimitation to the scope of the invention is intended thereby.

In Examples 21 and 22, an exemplary clarifying treatment of presentinvention is applied to the hair of the model and left in the hair forabout one minute. The hair was then rinsed. In particular exemplarycompositions having about 10 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant and about 3.0 weight percent malic acid were tested. However,it is within the scope of the invention to use clarifying compositionsincluding 0.5 weight percent to 8.0 weight percent malic acid and about10 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.

EXAMPLE 21

The hair of the model was clarified with a clarifying compositionincluding 3.0 weight percent malic acid and 10.0 weight percentCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant. The model used the clarifyingcomposition two to three times a week for a couple of months. The modelnoted that the clarifying composition brightened her blond hair andhighlights. Additionally, the clarifying composition removed the residuefrom her hair. The clarifying composition had a detangling effect and aconditioning effect on the model's hair. The model further noted thather hair was more manageable, easier to style and the style appeared tolast longer.

EXAMPLE 22

The model has very long straight hair that tended to kink and frizz atthe ends. The model has also had a problem with breakage and dullness.After using the clarifying composition of 3.0 weight percent malic acidand 10.0 weight percent Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, the modelnoted that her hair has a smooth, healthy look and increased shine.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description isto be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it beingunderstood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and describedand that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit ofthe invention are desired to be protected.

I claim:
 1. A method for treating hair comprising the steps of:straightening the hair with a hair straightening treatment, the hairstraightening treatment comprising the steps of applying to the hair astraightening composition and rinsing the hair; allowing the hair tonormalize to a pH of around 4.0 to 6.0 by waiting at least 30 minutesbetween the completion of the hair straightening treatment and thecommencement of a clarifying treatment; and clarifying the hair with thehair clarifying treatment to remove a residue of the straighteningtreatment from the hair; wherein the hair clarifying treatment includesthe step of applying a composition to the hair, the compositioncomprising an aqueous solution including an acid component and anamphoteric surfactant.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the compositioncomprises about 0.5 weight percent to about 8.0 weight percent of theacid component and at least about 10 weight percent of the amphotericsurfactant.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the hair is allowed tonormalize by waiting at least 4 hours between the completion of the hairstraightening treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the hair is allowed tonormalize by waiting at least 24 hours between the completion of thehair straightening treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the hair is allowed tonormalize by waiting at least 48 hours between the completion of thehair straightening treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the acid component includesat least one acid selected from the group of citric, salicylic, acetic,malic, and ascorbic acid.
 7. The method of claim 2, wherein thecomposition comprises about 3.0 weight percent of the acid component. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the acid component includes at least oneacid selected from the group of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, andascorbic acid.
 9. The method of claim 2, the amphoteric surfactant isselected from the group of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant,Lauramidopropyl Betaine surfactant, Cocoamidopropy Hydroxysultainesurfactant, Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, and Lauroamphoglycinatesurfactant.
 10. The method of claim 2 wherein the composition includesabout 3.0 weight percent malic acid and at least about 10.0 weightpercent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 4 hoursbetween the completion of the hair straightening treatment and thecommencement of the clarifying treatment.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 24 hoursbetween the completion of the hair straightening treatment and thecommencement of the clarifying treatment.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 48 hoursbetween the completion of the hair straightening treatment and thecommencement of the clarifying treatment.
 14. A method for treating haircomprising the steps of: applying a first composition to the hair tostraighten the hair; rinsing the hair; allowing the hair to normalize bywaiting at least 30 minutes between rinsing the hair and the applicationof a second composition; and applying the second composition to the hairto remove residue left in the hair by the application of the firstcomposition, the second composition having a pH of about 2.2, whereinthe second composition includes an aqueous solution including an acidcomponent and an amphoteric surfactant.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the acid component includes at least one acid selected from thegroup of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the second composition comprises about 0.5weight percent to about 8.0 percent of the acid component and at leastabout 10 weight percent of the amphoteric surfactant.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the second composition comprises about 3.0 weightpercent of the acid component.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein theacid component includes at least malic acid.
 19. The method of claim 14,the amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group of CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betaine surfactant, CocoamidopropylHydroxysultaine surfactant, Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, andLauroamiphoglycinate surfactant.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein thesecond composition includes about 3.0 weight percent malic acid and atleast about 10.0 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.21. The method of claim 14, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize bywaiting at least 4 hours between rinsing the hair and the application ofthe second composition.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the hair isallowed to normalize by waiting at least 24 hours between rinsing thehair and the application of the second composition.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least48 hours between rinsing the hair and the application of the secondcomposition.
 24. A method for treating hair comprising the steps of:treating the hair with an alkaline treatment, the alkaline treatmentcomprising the steps of applying to the hair an alkaline composition andrinsing the hair; allowing the hair to normalize to a pH of around 4.0to 6.0 by waiting at least 30 minutes between the completion of thealkaline treatment and the commencement of a clarifying treatment; andclarifying the hair with the hair clarifying treatment to remove aresidue of the alkaline treatment from the hair, wherein the hairclarifying treatment includes the step of applying a composition to thehair, the composition comprising an aqueous solution including an acidcomponent and an amphoteric surfactant.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 weight percent to about 8.0weight percent of the acid component and at least about 10 weightpercent of the amphoteric surfactant.
 26. The method of claim 25,wherein the composition includes about 3.0 weight percent malic acid andat least about 10.0 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.27. The method of claim 26, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize bywaiting at least 4 hours between the completion of the alkalinetreatment and the commencement of the clarifying treatment.
 28. Themethod of claim 27, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waitingat least 24 hours between the completion of the alkaline treatment andthe commencement of the clarifying treatment.
 29. The method of claim28, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 48hours between the completion of the alkaline treatment and thecommencement of the clarifying treatment.
 30. The method of claim 24,wherein the acid component includes at least one acid selected from thegroup of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid.
 31. Themethod of claim 25, wherein the composition comprises about 3.0 weightpercent of the acid component.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein theacid component includes at least one acid selected from the group ofcitric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid.
 33. The method ofclaim 25, the amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group ofCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betaine surfactant,Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine surfactant, Cocoamphoglycinatesurfactant, and Lauroamphoglycinate surfactant.
 34. The method of claim24, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least 4 hoursbetween the completion of the alkaline treatment and the commencement ofthe clarifying treatment.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the hairis allowed to normalize by waiting at least 24 hours between thecompletion of the alkaline treatment and the commencement of theclarifying treatment.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the hair isallowed to normalize by waiting at least 48 hours between the completionof the alkaline treatment and the commencement of the clarifyingtreatment.
 37. A method for treating hair comprising the steps of:applying a first composition to the hair, the first composition being analkaline composition; rinsing the hair; allowing the hair to normalizeby waiting at least 30 minutes between rinsing the hair and theapplication of a second composition; and applying the second compositionto the hair to remove residue left in the hair by the application of thefirst composition, the second composition having a pH of about 2.2,wherein the second composition includes an aqueous solution including anacid component and an amphoteric surfactant.
 38. The method of claim 37,wherein the acid component includes at least one acid selected from thegroup of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid.
 39. Themethod of claim 38, wherein the composition comprises about 0.5 weightpercent to about 8.0 weight percent of the acid component and at leastabout 10 weight percent of the amphoteric surfactant.
 40. The method ofclaim 39, wherein the composition comprises about 3.0 weight percent ofthe acid component.
 41. The method of claim 40, wherein the acidcomponent includes at least malic acid.
 42. The method of claim 37, theamphoteric surfactant is selected from the group of CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betaine surfactant, CocoamidopropylHydroxysultaine surfactant, Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, andLauroamphoglycinate surfactant.
 43. The method of claim 37, wherein thecomposition includes about 3.0 weight percent malic acid and at leastabout 10.0 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.
 44. Themethod of claim 37, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waitingat least 4 hours between rinsing the hair and the application of thesecond composition.
 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the hair isallowed to normalize by waiting at least 24 hours between rinsing thehair and the application of the second composition.
 46. The method ofclaim 45, wherein the hair is allowed to normalize by waiting at least48 hours between rinsing the hair and the application of the secondcomposition.
 47. A hair treatment system, the system comprising: a firstcomposition to be applied to the hair and rinsed from the hair after afirst time period such that the hair is straightened; and a secondcomposition having a pH of about 2.2 and comprising an acidic componentand a surfactant, the second composition to be applied to the hairsubsequent to the rinsing of the first composition and subsequent to asecond time period the second time period being sufficient in length toallow the hair to normalize, wherein the second period of time is atleast 30 minutes, wherein the acidic component is selected from thegroup of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid and thesurfactant is an amphoteric surfactant selected from the group ofCocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betaine surfactant,Cocoamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine surfactant, Cocoamphoglycinatesurfactant, and Lauoamphoblycinate surfactant.
 48. The composition ofclaim 42, wherein the second composition includes about 1 weight percentto about 8 weight percent of the acidic component.
 49. The compositionof claim 47, wherein the second composition includes about 3 weightpercent to about 8 weight percent of the acidic component.
 50. Thecomposition of claim 47, wherein the second composition includes about 3weight percent of the acidic component.
 51. The composition of claim 50,wherein the second composition includes about 3 weight percent malicacid.
 52. The composition of claim 47, wherein the second compositionincludes at least about 10 weight percent of the amphoteric surfactant.53. The composition of claim 52, wherein the second composition includesabout 10 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactant.
 54. Thecomposition of claim 47, wherein the second composition includes about 3weight percent to about 8.0 weight percent of the acidic component andincludes about 10 weight percent of the amphoteric surfactant.
 55. Thecomposition of claim 47, wherein the second composition includes about3.0 weight percent of malic acid and at least about 10.0 weight percentof an amphoteric surfactant.
 56. A composition for treating hair, thecomposition consisting essentially of: an acidic component selected fromthe group of citric, salicylic, acetic, malic, and ascorbic acid; and anamphoteric surfactant, the acidic component and the surfactant beingincorporated with water to produce an aqueous solution having a pH ofabout 2.2.
 57. The composition of claim 56, wherein the compositionincludes about 0.5 weight percent to about 8 weight percent of theacidic component.
 58. The composition of claim 57, wherein thecomposition includes about 3.0 weight percent of the acidic component.59. The composition of claim 57, wherein the composition includes about3 weight percent malic acid.
 60. The composition of claim 56, whereinthe amphoteric surfactant is selected from the group of CocamidopropylBetaine surfactant, Lauramidopropyl Betaine surfactant, CocoamidopropylHydroxysultaine surfactant, Cocoamphoglycinate surfactant, andLauroamphoglycinate surfactant.
 61. The composition of claim 60, whereinthe composition includes at least about 10 weight percent of theamphoteric surfactant.
 62. The composition of claim 61, wherein thecomposition includes about 10 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betainesurfactant.
 63. The composition of claim 62, wherein the compositionincludes about 10 weight percent of Cocamidopropyl Betaine surfactantand about 3.0 weight percent malic acid.